The Tarash Bhaban, once the palatial residence of one of Pabna’s most influential zamindars, Ray Bahadur Bonamali Ray, stands in neglect and disrepair.
Following the abolition of the zamindari system, only minimal renovation work has been done on the structure, leaving its grandeur diminished by time and decay. Despite this negligence, the mansion still retains its two-century-old legacy and the elegance of ancient Greek architecture.
According to the Department of Archaeology, the building is proposed to be transformed into a regional museum by next year. But the residents of Pabna are no longer satisfied with mere promises — they are demanding immediate action.
Sources reveal that Ray Bahadur Bonamali Ray, the adopted son of Raja Bonwari Lal Ray, was the most powerful zamindar in the region. Their main estate was located in what is now Tarash Upazila of Sirajganj district, formerly part of greater Pabna. For administrative convenience, Bonamali Ray built this mansion in the early 1800s on a 1.5-acre plot on the west side of Abdul Hamid Road in the heart of Pabna city. During World War II in 1942, the descendants of Raja Bonamali Ray lived in the mansion, which was listed as a protected heritage site under the Department of Archaeology in 1998. Since then, the Bogura regional office of the Department has been responsible for its maintenance, though actual initiatives have been minimal. For security, eight Ansar members and a few gardeners have been employed for basic upkeep.
A field visit shows that the over-200-year-old Tarash Bhaban still stands on Abdul Hamid Road. The majestic, semi-circular arched main gate supported by four pillars greets visitors first. Beyond the gate, flower beds adorn the approach to the two-story east-facing building, held up by four Roman-style columns. The mansion has 20 rooms, 10 on each floor, with 80 doors and 53 windows allowing for ample light and ventilation. A wooden staircase on the north side leads to the upper floor, where the king's courtroom is on the right. Adjacent to it is Raja Bonamali Ray’s bedroom, and nearby are verandas, a kitchen, and other rooms — all now empty. No memorabilia of the royal family remains. Most windows are broken, with shattered glass and damaged frames. Cracks have appeared in the bedroom walls, and plaster is peeling from the walls and ceiling. During the rainy season, water leaks from the roof. Apart from a boundary wall and minor repairs, no significant restoration has been undertaken. Locals have long demanded the mansion be restored and turned into a museum.
Mintu, the gardener responsible for maintaining the house and garden, said, “I’ve been here for 5 years. There’s not much to see except the building. So, not many visitors come. Some roam the garden and take photos. Occasionally, teachers and students from schools or colleges visit, but they find nothing inside except empty rooms. Many say a museum should be established here.”
Visitor Sohag Ali commented, “Most of the time, the gate is locked. Today, I asked the guards and got to see the inside — but there’s nothing there. I expected to see furniture or memorabilia, but found none. The walls and ceilings are cracked and damaged. There’s no sign of renovation.”
He added, “The garden in front is somewhat pleasing. In this city, there are hardly any peaceful places. If this mansion is restored and turned into a museum, it would be great. It would let future generations learn about the region’s heritage and history.”
Local resident Aminul Islam said, “Pabna is a district rich in history and heritage, yet it doesn’t have a single museum. We’ve heard many times that this mansion would become a museum, but nothing has happened. The building is neglected and crumbling. This is deeply concerning. We demand its immediate restoration and conversion into a museum and a public heritage site. This would give the people of this city a breathing space and help future generations connect with their roots. Plus, ticketed entry could generate government revenue.”
Writer Dr. Ashraf Pinto noted, “Previously, this building was used by document writers, but now it serves no purpose. A palace like this should not be abandoned. The government should restore it and put it to good use. Alongside the Tarash zamindars, other heritage sites and structures should also be preserved and turned into museums.”
Shauli Talukdar, custodian of the Department of Archaeology for Shahzadpur, Sirajganj, stated, “There is a proposal to turn Tarash Bhaban into a museum. It has been submitted to higher authorities, including estimates for renovation, staffing, and other requirements. We expect implementation in the current fiscal year.”
Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, Assistant Director of the Department of Archaeology for the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, added, “A proposal has been submitted and is now under review by the department and ministry. The plan includes establishing a museum in the mansion, highlighting the history and heritage of the royal family as well as representing the broader history of the Pabna district.”
